Prima ballerina Alessandra Ferri and stars from leading ballet companies will perform a series of beloved classics and contemporary works in a special Valentine’s Weekend program at the Michigan Opera Theatre.

Ferri earned the rare title of “prima ballerina assoluta” — “absolute first principal ballerina” an honor is awarded to the best female dancers in a generation, which has been bestowed upon only 11 women since its inception in 1894. At 55, Ferri’s sparkling career has far outlasted that of the majority of ballet dancers. She has performed with the world’s most prestigious companies including the Royal Ballet, American Ballet Theatre and La Scala Theatre Ballet, as well as with the best choreographers and dancers in the industry.

The Michigan Opera Theatre program also features stars from American Ballet Theatre, English National Ballet, La Scala Theatre Ballet and the Boston Ballet, among others.

“Alessandra Ferri: Art of the Pas de Deux” will feature performances of “Swan Lake,” “La Sylphide” and “The Dying Swan,” as well as several contemporary works.

The principal dancers include Herman Cornejo, Marcelo Gomes, Jeffrey Cirio, Misa Kuranaga, Ricardo Graziano, Oksana Maslova and Kate Honea. The program will be performed to live music from the Michigan Opera Theatre Orchestra, conducted by David LaMarche, featuring soprano Mary-Hollis Hundley.

The program will take place at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 16, and also offer “Ballet with Your Beloved,” an intimate pre-show dinner.

“This program is incredibly romantic and a perfect experience to share with your loved one for Valentine’s Day,” says MOT Principal Conductor Stephen Lord. “Alessandra Ferri is one of ballet’s biggest stars, and we are thrilled to present her to our Detroit audiences, along with other world-renowned dancers.”

“Ballet with Your Beloved” will feature a seated five-course dinner in the Detroit Opera House Black Box Theatre, serving gourmet food including sautéed shrimp and filet mignon. Tickets include valet parking and a take-home box of truffles.

The program is supported by the 2018-19 Dance Sponsor, Lear Corporation.